Summer is the favorite season for many of us: long days, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. Recently, however, the summer weather has led to a surge in water consumption that has significantly exceeded normal levels. As a result, the city of Munich urged residents to conserve water and initially relied on voluntary efforts. Since this has not been effective, it is now issuing its first bans via a general order. Here’s what you need to watch out for in the coming weeks.
Causes of the Water Shortage
Normally, daily water consumption in the city of Munich is about 300 million liters per day. In recent weeks, however, it has been significantly higher, at times reaching up to 400 million liters. The winter and spring were already exceptionally dry; the heat of the past few weeks is now making matters worse. Munich’s reserves are reaching their limit due to the increased demand and have no opportunity to recover. The recent rainfall has not been sufficient.
Initially, the city responded by turning off some of the decorative fountains and appealing to residents to use water sparingly. Since the measures taken so far have not been sufficient, the city is now resorting to more drastic measures and issuing bans. These are effective immediately and will remain in place until August 1 for the time being. Violations are subject to fines of up to €50,000.
Measures Under the General Order
What started as a request is now becoming a ban. To combat the water shortage, the city is imposing the following rules effective immediately:
- Filling private pools, ponds, and fountains is prohibited; likewise, barrels may not be filled with drinking water
- Washing cars or other vehicles outside of car washes is prohibited, unless they are emergency vehicles or there are other compelling reasons
- Watering private gardens is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; private green spaces and lawns may not be watered at all
- Terraces, walls, roofs, courtyards, and streets may not be hosed down
- Water extraction from surface water bodies within the Munich city limits is prohibited
Even though rain is expected in the coming days, it will not be enough to refill the city’s water reservoirs. Therefore, please use drinking water sparingly and comply with the regulations set forth in the general order. You can review the details again on the City of Munich’s website.
